5 Tips to Ditch the Pacifier
Whether your a new or experienced parent, we all want what’s best for our kids! A pacifier is a great comfort to many littles, but when the time comes to part ways, it can be challenging. But remember, while it can be hard to part with their beloved item, it is best for your child’s growth and development.
By Dr. Stephanie Vera, DDS
As a mom and dentist, I get a lot of questions about pacifiers. Two of the most common are:
“When should my child stop using a pacifier?”
“How can I get my baby to stop using a pacifier?”
As with most habits, the earlier you can stop the better. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends stopping pacifier use between 6 and 12 months of age after your child is no longer a risk of SIDS. If your little one is still using a pacifier past their first birthday, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) recommends weaning around the 2nd birthday, with a stead-fast rule to stop by age 3. But let's be real, it's easier said than done.
No matter how you approach the pacifier habit, it is important to remember that every child is different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to weaning off the pacifier. So, if one method doesn't work for your child, don’t stress - just try another! With that said, here are my 5 easy tips to kiss the pacifier good-bye:
Do it early —I’m going to keep saying this because I know it makes it easier on the parent and child. The sooner you can kick the habit, the easier it is for everyone involved. Around age 1 is a great time to wean your little one from their pacifier, reducing the negative effects to their jaw growth, tooth position, and dependency on a tool for emotional regulation.
Try gradual removal — One popular method is the gradual approach. Start by limiting pacifier use to certain times of the day, such as nap time and bedtime. Then, slowly decrease the amount of time your child uses the pacifier during those times until they no longer need it. This method may take some time, but it can be effective in helping your child adjust to life without their trusty binky. This method is especially helpful if you have a clear timeline and can ensure that all adults responsible for the child’s care is on the same page.
Distraction or Trading — If your child is old enough to understand, swap the pacifier for a toy or a blanket. Swapping a pacifier for another soothing object can be an excellent way to positively reinforce this change. Distracting your child with other activities or toys during times when they would normally use their pacifier. This can help take their mind off of it and make the transition smoother.
Associate quitting with “being a big kid”—Depending on how old your child is when you stop pacifier use, you can associate it with other positive changes related to getting older. If you're feeling creative, you can try the pacifier fairy approach. Have your child gather up all their pacifiers and leave them under their pillow for the pacifier fairy to take away. In return, the pacifier fairy will leave a special gift for your child. This can help make the transition a little more fun and exciting for your little one.
Go cold turkey if you can— I purposefully put this tip last because it is often the most challenging for everyone involved. I also strongly believe this approach can quickly backfire if you don’t stick to your plan. In the simplest of term, going cold turkey simply involves taking aware the pacifier and not giving it back. Ever. To help put you at ease, I have heard from numerous parents that this is the fastest way to kick the habit, but be prepared for a tough three days to get over the hump!
A Word of Caution
When you take the pacifier away too early and your child still has a desire for non-nutritive sucking, they will find a way – and their thumb or fingers are not only convenient, but can’t be taken from them. If you notice thumb sucking starting to replace pacifier use, you might want to return to the pacifier and try to remove it again in a month or two. As your baby gets older, their natural sucking tendencies will subside, at which point it will be easier to transition away from it.
At the end of the day, we all want what's best for our little ones. And let's face it, parenting is tough! But with a little patience, persistence, and creativity, you can help your child say goodbye to their pacifier. Remember, there isn't one right way to approach pacifier weaning because every baby is unique. So don't be afraid to try different methods until you find what works best for your family. Before you start any of the methods above, make sure your child is well-rested before starting the weaning process. A tired and cranky kid is more likely to resist giving up their pacifier. And no matter what approach you take, it will take some time for your child to adjust, so give yourself and them a little grace. Good luck, and happy weaning!
Dr. Stephanie Vera is a general dentist practicing in Murphy, Texas. She is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry and believes education and prevention are essential to a happy, healthy smile.
